Selectable method of control for double basket laundry treating appliance

ABSTRACT

An method of operating a laundry treating appliance can include a first basket defining a first treating chamber and a second basket defining a second treating chamber. A liquid supply system can selectively supply water to the first basket, second basket, or both of the first and second baskets. A user interface can be configured to receive input from a user. A controller can operably couple with the liquid supply system and the user interface. The controller can receive an input at the user interface to a configuration type for the laundry treating appliance and can indicate treatment variable available to the user reflective of the configuration type.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/651,570, filed on Jul. 17, 2017, now allowed, which ishereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Laundry treating appliances, such as clothes washers, refreshers, andnon-aqueous systems, can have a configuration based on a rotating basketthat defines a treating chamber in which laundry items are placed fortreating. The laundry treating appliance can have a controller thatimplements a number of pre-programmed cycles of operation having one ormore operating parameters. The controller can control a motor to rotatethe drum according to one of the pre-programmed cycles of operation. Thecontroller can control the motor to rotate the drum at the same speedsfor a give pre-programmed cycle of operation regardless of thecharacteristics of the laundry items or changes in the system.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a method of displayingselection information on a user interface of a laundry treatingappliance. The laundry treating appliance includes a first basketdefining a first treating chamber for receiving laundry for treatmentand a second basket selectively receivable within at least a portion ofthe first treating chamber. The second basket defines a second treatingchamber for receiving laundry for treatment. The laundry treatingappliance is customizable by a user to operation in one of multipleconfigurations. The method includes: displaying, on the user interface,user-selectable options for configuration type and at least onetreatment variable; in response to receiving user selections for theconfiguration type, displaying on the user interface user-selectableoptions for the at least one treatment variable; and in response toreceiving a user selection from the user-selectable options, executing acycle of operation according to the user-selected configuration type andat least one treatment variable.

In another aspect, a method for displaying information on a userinterface of a laundry treating appliance that is customizable by a userto operate in one of multiple configurations, including: determining,via input on a user interface, a selected one of the multipleconfigurations to include a first configuration where laundry is treatedin a first basket, a second configuration where laundry is treated in asecond basket at least partially located in the first basket, and athird configuration where laundry is treated in the first basket and thesecond basket; and indicating user selectable options for water levelbased on the selected one of the multiple configurations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a laundry treating appliance in the formof a washing machine according having a first basket and a removablebasket assembly.

FIG. 2 is a schematic of a control system of the laundry treatingappliance of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a front view of a user interface for operating the laundrytreating appliance of FIGS. 1 and 2 , including a basket controlselection.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the basket control selection of FIG. 3having an upper basket indicator illuminated, and having unselectablewater level options.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method displaying selectioninformation on a user interface of a laundry treating appliance.

FIG. 6 is a view of an alternative basket control selection having anupper basket indicator illuminated, and having an unselectable highwater level.

FIG. 7 is a view of another alternative basket control selection havingan upper basket indicator illuminated, having an unselectable high waterlevel, and including a virtual indicator.

FIG. 8 is a view of another alternative basket control selection havingan upper basket indicator illuminated, having unselectable water leveloptions, and having an extra low water level indicator illuminated.

FIG. 9 is a view of another alternative basket control selection havingan upper basket indicator illuminated, having unselectable water leveloptions, and having a virtual indicator.

FIG. 10 is a view of another alternative basket control selection havinga dual basket indicator illuminated, and having an unselectable highwater level.

FIG. 11 is a view of another alternative basket control selection havinga dual basket indicator illuminated, having an unselectable high waterlevel, and having a virtual indicator.

FIG. 12 is a view of a first alternative basket control selection havingan upper basket indicator illuminated, and having a user actuate a waterlevel button to trigger a second alternative basket control selectionhaving a dual basket indicator illuminated, with an unselectable highwater level, and a medium water level indicator illuminated.

FIG. 13 is a view of yet another alternative basket control selectionhaving both an upper and lower basket indicator illuminated, and havingan unselectable high water level.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating an alternative method of displayingselection information on a user interface of a laundry treatingappliance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a laundry treating applianceincluding a dual-basket system having a lower, first basket and aremovable second basket that can be optionally received in the firstbasket. A first treating chamber is formed by the first basket and asecond treating chamber is formed by the second basket, when it isincluded. A cycle of operation can be used to treat laundry articleswithin one or both of the first and second treating chambers. A cycle ofoperation can be controlled at a user interface and can be tailored toeach treating chamber. An intuitive user interface can assist the userin properly determining washing parameters, such as water level andsupply, to prevent improper washing or minimize wasted water.Restricting the water volume to the first treating chamber can preventwater spilling during use of both the first and second baskets.

When a dual-basket system is utilized including the first and secondbaskets, a user can select a cycle of operation that is tailored to thefirst treating chamber and the second treating chamber, individually. Inthe dual-basket system, the second basket occupies a portion of thefirst treating chamber. As such, the volume of the first treatingchamber is necessarily decreased. Therefore, in the event that firsttreating chamber were to be fully filled with water, such as during alarge load of laundry articles, some water can be spilled resultant ofthe decreased capacity due to the inclusion of the second basket. Suchspilling can result in leakage or damage to the laundry treatingappliance, as well as a negative user experience.

Therefore, a user interface can be tailored to determine the existenceof the second basket and tailor the user interface in order to preventspilling of any excess water. For example, operability of the waterlevel selection at the user interface can be limited to prevent anyspilling or unnecessary use of water based upon the particular use ofthe dual basket system. Specifically, functionality of the water levelselection can be limited to less than full operability to preventspilling or over-filling of water. Furthermore, in the situation wherethe user would only like the use the second basket, water can beprevented from filling in the lower, first basket to minimize or preventwasting of water when a portion of the laundry treating appliance is notbeing used.

Referring now to FIG. 1 a laundry treating appliance 10 can be anyappliance that performs a cycle of operation to clean or otherwise treatitems or articles placed therein, such as clothing laundry in onenon-limiting example. The laundry treating appliance 10 is illustratedas a washing machine, which can include a structural support systemcomprising a cabinet 12, which defines a housing within which a laundryholding system resides. The cabinet 12 can be a housing having a chassisand/or a frame, defining an interior, enclosing components typicallyfound in a conventional washing machine, such as motors, pumps, fluidlines, controls, sensors, transducers, and the like. Such componentswill not be described further herein except as necessary for a completeunderstanding of the invention.

The laundry treating appliance 10 includes a tub 14 supported within thecabinet 12 by a suitable suspension system 16 for dynamically suspendingportions of the laundry treating appliance 10 within the cabinet 12. Afirst basket 18 is provided within the tub 14 and defines a firsttreating chamber 20. The first basket 18 can include a plurality ofperforations 26 such that liquid can flow between the tub 14 and thefirst basket 18 through the perforations 26. A first clothes mover 28 isprovided the first treating chamber 20 to move or agitate laundryarticles received in the first treating chamber 20 according to a cycleof operation. Clothes mover as used herein can mean any suitable clothesmover to impart mechanical energy to a load of laundry, such as anagitator, mover, blade, impeller, or auger in non-limiting examples. Abalance ring 30 can be provided along an upper edge 32 of the firstbasket 18.

A removable basket assembly 38 can include a second basket 22 that is atleast partially provided within the first basket 18 and defines a secondtreating chamber 24. A transmitter 34 can be included in the removablebasket assembly 38 and can removably attach to the first clothes mover28. The transmitter 34 facilitates attachment and removal of theremovable basket assembly 38 to and from the first clothes mover 28 toposition the second basket 22 at least partially within the firsttreating chamber 20. A second clothes mover 36 is provided within thesecond basket 22 and is coupled with the first clothes mover 28 via thetransmitter 34.

An upper ring 40 can be included in the removable basket assembly 38 andcan operably couple to the second basket 22. The upper ring 40 caninclude an outer diameter that is greater than a diameter of the secondbasket 22. The upper ring 40 can extend at least partially over and seatupon the balance ring 30, such that the balance ring 30 can at leastpartially support the removable basket assembly 38 at the upper ring 40.A set of outlets 42 can be provided in the upper ring 40 to provideegress for liquid from the second basket 22. A set as used herein caninclude any number of elements, including only one. A detergentdispenser 44 and a fabric softener dispenser 46 can mount along theinterior of the upper ring 40 and extend into the second treatingchamber 24. Furthermore, the upper ring 40 can partially form thedispensers 44, 46. While the dispensers 44, 46 are described as specificto detergent and fabric softener, the dispensers 44, 46 can be used fordispensing any suitable treating chemistry into the second basket 22,which can be particular to a cycle of operation, including but notlimited to water, enzymes, fragrances, stiffness/sizing agents, wrinklereleasers/reducers, softeners, antistatic or electrostatic agents, stainrepellants, water repellants, energy reduction/extraction aids,antibacterial agents, medicinal agents, vitamins, moisturizers,shrinkage inhibitors, and color fidelity agents, and combinationsthereof. In one non-limiting example, the detergent dispenser 44 can bea dispenser as disclosed in U.S. Pub. No. 2015/0059417 to Ramasco, filedAug. 27, 2014, entitled “Valved Dispensing System for Products in LiquidForm by Inertial Centrifugal Action for Household Appliances,” which isherein incorporated by reference in full.

The removable basket assembly 38 can further include coupling elementsdisposed on the periphery of the second basket 22. Such couplingelements can couple the removable basket assembly 38 to the first basket18 and permit common rotation among the two. In one non-limitingexample, the coupling elements can be similar to those as disclosed inU.S. Pub. No. 2016/0222567 to Ramasco et al., filed Oct. 23, 2015,entitled “Coupling System of Removable Compartment for Appliances,”which is herein incorporated by reference in full, and the removablebasket assembly 38 can couple in the same manner as described therein.

It should be appreciated that the removable basket assembly 38 isremovable, such that the laundry treating appliance 10 can be used withor without the removable basket assembly 38. The balance ring 30 on thefirst basket 18 and the transmitter 34 coupled to the first clothesmover 28 are used to support the removable basket assembly 38.

The laundry treating appliance 10 can further include a door 50, whichcan be movably mounted to the cabinet 12 to selectively close the tub14, the first basket 18, or the second basket 22. The laundry treatingappliance 10 can further include a liquid supply system 52 for supplyingwater to the laundry treating appliance 10 for use in treating laundryduring a cycle of operation. The liquid supply system 52 can include asource of water, such as a household water supply 60, which can includeseparate valves 62 and 64 for controlling the flow of hot and coldwater, respectively. Water can be supplied to a liquid manifold 66 via asupply conduit 68. Optionally, one or more additional valves can beincluded on the supply conduit 68 to selectively provide water to theliquid manifold 66, or to tailor water temperature from the householdwater supply 60. A water dispenser 70, fluidly coupled to the liquidmanifold 66, can mount to the door 50, for providing water to one ormore of the first and second baskets 18, 22 via a first outlet 72. Thewater dispenser 70 can overhang above the first and second baskets 18,22 such that water dispensed from the first outlet 72 can pass into thesecond basket 22 when using the removable basket assembly 38, or intothe first basket 22 when the removable basket assembly 38 is not beingused. A second outlet 74 can be provided on the liquid manifold 66dedicated to the first basket 18. The second outlet 74 can be positionedoutside of the second basket 22, such that any dispensed water will passinto the space between the tub 14 and the upper ring 40, passing intothe first treating chamber 20, but not into the second treating chamber24. The water dispenser 70 can be dedicated to the removable basketassembly and the second outlet 74 can be dedicated to the first basket18; however, the laundry treating appliance 10 should not be so limited.

A dispenser 76 can be provided within or adjacent to the liquid manifold66 and in fluid communication with the liquid manifold 66. The dispenser76 can be used to dispense treating chemistry to the first basket 18through the second outlet 74. Non-limiting examples of treatingchemistries that can be dispensed by the dispensing system during acycle of operation include one or more of the following: water, enzymes,fragrances, stiffness/sizing agents, wrinkle releasers/reducers,softeners, antistatic or electrostatic agents, stain repellants, waterrepellants, energy reduction/extraction aids, antibacterial agents,medicinal agents, vitamins, moisturizers, shrinkage inhibitors, andcolor fidelity agents, and combinations thereof.

The laundry treating appliance 10 can also include a recirculation anddrain system for recirculating or draining liquid within the laundrytreating appliance 10. Liquid supplied to the tub 14 typically enters aspace between the tub 14 and the first basket 18 and can flow by gravityto a sump 80 formed in part by a lower portion of the tub 14. The sump80 can also be formed by a sump conduit 82 that can fluidly couple thelower portion of the tub 14 to a pump 84. The pump 84 can direct liquidto a drain conduit 86, which can drain the liquid from the laundrytreating appliance 10, or to a recirculation conduit 88, which candirect the liquid from the sump conduit 82 into the liquid manifold 66,which can be returned to one or more of the first or second treatingchambers 20, 24. In this manner, liquid provided to the tub 14, with orwithout treating chemistry can be recirculated into either the first orsecond treating chambers 20, 24 for treating the laundry per one or morecycles of operation.

The liquid supply and/or recirculation and drain system can be providedwith a heating system which can include one or more devices for heatinglaundry and/or liquid supplied to the tub 14, such as a sump heater 90,which can be used to heat the laundry and/or liquid within the tub 14 aspart of a cycle of operation.

Additionally, the liquid supply, recirculation and drain system candiffer from the configuration shown in FIG. 1 , such as by inclusion ofother valves, conduits, treating chemistry dispensers, sensors, such aswater level sensors and temperature sensors, and the like, to controlthe flow of liquid through the laundry treating appliance 10 and for theintroduction of more than one type of treating chemistry.

The laundry treating appliance 10 also includes a drive system forrotating the first and second baskets 18, 22 within the tub 14. Thedrive system can include a motor 92, which can be directly coupled withthe first basket 18 and the first clothes mover 28 through a drive shaft93 to rotate or reciprocate the first basket 18 or the first clothesmover 28 about a rotational axis during a cycle of operation.Additionally, the rotational movement of the first clothes mover 28 canbe imparted to the second clothes mover 36 and rotational movement ofthe first basket 18 can be imparted to the second basket 22. The motor92, in one non-limiting example, can be a brushless permanent magnet(BPM) motor. Other motors, such as an induction motor or a permanentsplit capacitor (PSC) motor, can also be used. The motor 92 can rotatethe first basket 18 and the second basket 22 at various speeds in eitherrotational direction, and can reciprocate the first and second clothesmovers 28, 36 within its respective basket.

The laundry treating appliance 10 also includes a control system forcontrolling the operation of the laundry treating appliance 10 toimplement one or more cycles of operation. The control system caninclude a controller 94 located within the cabinet 12 and a userinterface 96 that is operably coupled with the controller 94. Thecontroller 94 operably couples to the liquid supply system 52 and theuser interface 96. The user interface 96 is configured to receive inputfrom a user and provide output to the user. Such input can be used toselect a cycle of operation, for example, and output can includeinformation related to the cycle of operation, such as status. The inputcan be communicated to the controller 94, indicative of and includinginstructions to execute the cycle of operation. The user interface 96can include one or more knobs 98, dials, switches, displays, touchscreens and the like for communicating with the user, such as to receiveinput and provide output. The user can enter different types ofinformation including, without limitation, cycle selection and cycleparameters, such as cycle options.

The controller 94 can include the machine controller and any additionalcontrollers provided for controlling any of the components of thelaundry treating appliance 10. For example, the controller 94 caninclude the machine controller and a motor controller. It iscontemplated that the controller 94 is a microprocessor-based controllerthat implements control software and sends/receives one or moreelectrical signals to/from each of the various working components toeffect the control software.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the controller 94 can be provided with a memory100 and a central processing unit (CPU) 102. The memory 100 can be usedfor storing the control software that is executed by the CPU 102 incompleting a cycle of operation using the laundry treating appliance 10and any additional software. Examples, without limitation, of cycles ofoperation include: wash, heavy duty wash, delicate wash, quick wash,pre-wash, refresh, rinse only, and timed wash.

The controller 94 can be operably coupled with one or more components ofthe laundry treating appliance 10 for communicating with and controllingthe operation of the component to complete a cycle of operation. Forexample, the controller 94 can be operably coupled with the motor 92,the pump 84, the liquid manifold 66, the water dispenser 70, thedispenser 76, the sump heater 90 which can be provided throughout thelaundry treating appliance 10 to implement the operation of these andother components to implement one or more of the cycles of operation.Additional instruction or communication can be sent to or received froma user through the user interface 96.

The controller 94 can also be coupled with one or more sensors 104provided in one or more of the systems of the laundry treating appliance10 to receive input from the sensors, which are known in the art and notshown for simplicity. Non-limiting examples of sensors 104 that can becommunicably coupled with the controller 94 include: a treating chambertemperature sensor, a moisture sensor, a weight sensor, a chemicalsensor, a position sensor and a motor torque sensor, which can be usedto determine a variety of system and laundry characteristics, such aslaundry load inertia or mass. One particular sensor can be a positionsensor to determine whether the removable basket assembly 38 ispositioned within the laundry treating appliance 10. Another particularsensor can be a flow meter, which can be used to measure and control theamount of water filling the removable basket assembly 38. The flow metercould minimize or prevent the occurrence of water leaving the removablebasket assembly 38 during the filling phase, and minimize contaminationpotential with the first basket 18. Yet another particular sensor caninclude a sensor for determining the presence of the removable basketassembly 38. Additionally, detection of the removable basket assembly 38can be detected in a manner disclosed in U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2016/0201243to Bergamo, filed Oct. 23, 2015, entitled “Detection System of WashingMachines Removable Basket and Method for Detection of Washing MachinesRemovable Basket,” which is herein incorporated by reference in full.

The laundry treating appliance 10 can be operated with both the firstbasket 18 and the second basket 22, simultaneously, or can be operatedwith either the first basket 18 or the second basket 22 individually.When executing a cycle of operation within the first basket 18 withoutthe removable basket assembly 38, the second basket 22, including thetransmitter 34, can be removed from the laundry treating appliance 10.When using the removable basket assembly 38 alone, laundry articles needto be provided only in the second basket 22. In such an organization,the removable basket assembly 38 mounts on the first clothes mover 28.Rotational or reciprocating movement of the first clothes mover 28 istransferred to the second clothes mover 36 via the transmitter 34. Whenusing both the first and second baskets 18, 22, the first basket 18 canbe filled with laundry articles, then the removable basket assembly 38installs over the first treating chamber 20, and the second basket 22 isfilled with additional laundry articles. The reverse of theaforementioned process can be used to remove laundry articles after acycle of operation has completed.

In operation using both the removable basket assembly 38 and the firstbasket 18, treating chemistry can be provided in one or more of thedispensers 44, 46, 76, to treat the laundry articles according to adesired cycle of operation. A user can select a cycle of operation onthe user interface 96, such as a standard wash cycle of operation.Different cycles of operation can be tailored to different or individualtreating chambers, as well as different organizations, such as with orwithout the removable basket assembly 38. Water can fill the firstbasket 18 dispensed from the second outlet 74 and passing to fill thetub 14, and then filling the first basket 18 through the perforations26. Water can simultaneously fill the second basket 22 dispensed fromthe first outlet 72 of the water dispenser 70. Detergent can bedispensed into the first treating chamber 20 from the dispenser 76 inthe liquid manifold 66 and can be dispensed into the second treatingchamber 24 from the dispensers 44, 46 on the upper ring 40. The firstand second clothes movers 28, 36 can agitate the articles within thefirst and second treating chambers 20, 24, respectively. Rotational orreciprocating movement of the first clothes mover 28 is translated tothe second clothes mover 36 via the transmitter 34. After completion ofthe wash cycle, the liquid can drain from the first treating chamber 20into the tub 14. The motor 92 can then rotate the first basket 18 andimpart rotational movement to the second basket 22. The rotationalmovement of the second basket 22 can drive liquid within the secondbasket 22 outward and upward toward the outlets 42, where water candrain over the balance ring 30 and into the tub 14 exterior of the firstbasket 18. The liquid can drain from the laundry treating appliance 10through the drain conduit 86. A rinse cycle can then begin, refillingboth the first and second treating chambers 20, 24 in the same manner asthe wash cycle. The water can be again drained and a spin cycle canbegin. Rotational movement is transferred from the motor to the secondbasket 22 via the first basket 18. Liquid can drain from the first andsecond treating chamber 20, 24 in the same manner as draining the washcycle. As such, the first and second treating chambers 20, 24 can treattwo individual loads of articles separately, but simultaneously.

Alternatively, the second basket 22 can be used alone. The operation canbe similar to that described above, without filling, draining, ortreating any articles within the first treating chamber 20. Rotationalor reciprocating movement is still imparted to the first basket 18 andthe first clothes mover 28, which is transferred to the second basket 22and the second clothes mover 36, respectively, in order to treatarticles in the second basket 22.

Alternatively, the first basket 18 can be used alone. The removablebasket assembly 38 can be removed and the first basket 18 can treat aload of laundry in a manner similar to that of a traditional laundrytreating appliance 10. In yet another alternative, the removable basketassembly 38 can remain on top of the first basket 18, and the firsttreating chamber 20 can be used to treat a load of laundry articleswhile carrying the removable basket assembly in a manner describedabove, without the steps involved with treating articles within thesecond basket 22.

Referring now to FIG. 3 , the user interface 96 can include one or morecontrols permitting the user to operate the laundry treating appliance10 according to a cycle of operation. A power button 120 can provide forselectively turning the laundry treating appliance 10 on or off. Abasket control section 122 can include a basket modifier button 124 anda water level button 126. The basket modifier button 124 can be linkedto three exemplary basket selection indicators, illustrated as an upperbasket indicator 128, a dual basket indicator 130, and a lower basketindicator 132, representative of three different selectableconfigurations or configuration types including treating laundryarticles in only the second basket 22, treating laundry articles in bothbaskets, 18, 22, or treating laundry articles in only the first basket18, respectively. Indicator as used herein means any communicationmedium to communicate with a user, such as a visual indicator or audibleindicator. Actuation of the basket modifier button 124 can cycle throughthe indicators 128, 130, 132 and the three different selectableconfiguration types. In one non-limiting example, treating laundryarticles in the first basket only can be a default selectableconfiguration, illuminating the lower basket indicator 132.

Similarly, the water level button 126 can be linked to four options forwater level indicators, illustrated as a high water level indicator 134,a medium water level indicator 136, a low water level indicator 138, andan extra low water level indicator 140. The medium water level indicator136 can be the maximum water level for use with both baskets 18, 22.Actuation of the water level button 126 can cycle through selectableoptions of the indicators 134, 136, 138, 140 via illumination of theindicators 134, 136, 138, 140. The water level indicators 134, 136, 138,140 can be representative of user-selectable options for selecting waterlevel treatment variables for the laundry treating appliance. The highwater level indicator 134 can be indicative of a maximum amount of waterused for a cycle of operation without the removable basket assembly 38.The medium water level indicator 136 can be representative of a mediumamount of water and can be the maximum amount of water used for a cycleof operation in the first basket 18 including the removable basketassembly 38. The low water level indicator 138 can be representative ofa small amount of water for a small load. The extra low water levelindicator 140 can be representative of a very small amount of water,which can be used to rinse the first basket 18 after draining the secondbasket 22.

The water level button 126 can be used to select the user selectableoption, such as water level. A selected option can be representative ofa user selectable variable communicated to the controller 94 of FIG. 2 .The controller can implement the cycle of operation based upon input ofthe user selected variable. The user-selected variable can include thewater level as represented by the water level indicators 134, 136, 138,140. Illumination of one or more indicators can indicate the currentlyselected user selected variable, which is communicated to the user inexecuting a desired cycle of operation. Additionally or alternatively,other visual or audible indicators, such as buzzing or blinking, arecontemplated in communicating the user selectable options to the user.For example, if none of the water levels are selectable, an audible beepcan be provided. Additionally, other communication is contemplated, suchas haptic feedback or remote messaging in non-limiting examples.

The knob 98 can be linked to differing cycles of operation, such as afast cycle, a delicate cycle, a standard cycle, a children's clothingcycle, a heavy cycle, a bed and bath cycle, or a quilt cycle,represented by a fast indicator 150, a delicate indicator 152, astandard indicator 154, a children's clothing indicator 156, a heavyindicator 158, a bed and bath indicator 160, and a quilt indicator 162,respectively. Rotating actuation of the knob 98 can be used to selectthe cycle of operation, indicated by illumination of the differentindicator. It should be understood that the indicators and cycles ofoperation are by way of example only, and should not be understood aslimiting as shown.

An agitation button 170 can be included on the user interface 96. Anormal indicator 172 and a turbo indicator 174 can be linked to theagitation button 170, such that actuation of the agitation button 170can selectively illuminate either indicator 172, 174 representative ofthe level of agitation to use in the particular cycle of operation.

A rinse button 180 can also be included on the user interface 96. Asingle indicator 182, a double indicator 184, and an antiallergenicindicator 186 can be linked to the rinse button 180. Actuation of therinse button 180 can selectively illuminate the single, double, orantiallergenic indicators 182, 184, 186 representative of the particulartype of rinse to use during the selected cycle of operation.

A spin button 190 can also be included on the user interface 96. Anormal indicator 192, an extra indicator 194, and a light indicator 196can be linked to the spin button 190 such that actuation of the spinbutton 190 can selectively illuminate the normal, extra, or lightindicators 192, 194, 196 representative of the spin to be used with theparticular cycle of operation. A security lock indicator 198 can beincluded near the spin indicators, which can be illuminated to indicatethat the door is locked during the spin cycle of the cycle of operation.

A status indicator 200 can be included on the user interface 96 having anext button 202. The status indicator 200 can include an illuminabletimeline 204, having different timeline representations, including afill indicator 206, a wash indicator 208, a rinse indicator 210, and aspin indicator 212. During progression of the cycle of operation,different indicators as part of the illuminable timeline 204 can beilluminated to indicate the current status of the cycle of operation.The next button 202, for example, can be used to force progression ofthe cycle of operation to the next step, and such forced progression canbe represented by the illuminable timeline 204.

A start or pause button 214 can be included on the user interface 96,which can be actuable to selectively start the cycle of operation or topause the cycle of operation.

It should be appreciated that the user interface 96, the cycles ofoperation, and the particular options generally listed on the userinterface 96 are exemplary, and any organization or replacement of knownfunctionalities can be included on the user interface 96. Similarly, anysuch user interface is contemplated, including but not limited to,buttons, knobs, switches, touch screens or the like.

During selection of a cycle of operation, a user can press the powerbutton to activate the user interface 96. A standard set of lights canilluminate, such as those representative of a standard wash. The usercan then rotate the knob to select the desired cycle of operation totreat the articles within the laundry treating apparatus 10. In onenon-limiting example, the user can select the standard wash,illuminating the standard indicator 154. Under the standard wash, thenormal indicator 172 for the agitation, the single indicator 182 for therinse, and the normal indicator 192 for the spin can be illuminated. Theuser can choose to push any of the agitation button 170, the rinsebutton 180, or the spin button 190 to deviate from the standard washsettings, and such changes can be reflected in the related indicators.

The user can then actuate the basket modifier button 124 to select thebaskets appropriate to the configuration type for the laundry treatingappliance 10 to be used for the cycle of operation. For example, if theuser were using both the first and second baskets 18, 22, the user canactuate the basket modifier button 124 to illuminate the dual basketindicator 130. Next, the user can actuate the water level button 126 toselect a user-selectable water level. After selecting the desiredaspects of the cycle of operation, the user can actuate the start button220 to begin the cycle of operation. The user can monitor progress withthe illuminable timeline 204, or can accelerate progression with thenext button 202 until the cycle of operation has completed.

It can be desirable or necessary to include some restrictions onfunctionality of the user interface 96 in controlling the cycle ofoperation, as some selections can conflict with one another. Forexample, utilizing a configuration type including the second basket 22with a high water level can result in spilling of the water as thesecond basket 22 occupies a portion of the first treating chamber 20.Such restrictions can be reflected in operability of the user interfacewhen selecting particular configuration types. For example, FIG. 4illustrates an isolated view of the basket control section 122 andillustrates one such restriction. The user can actuate the basketmodifier button 124 to select the upper basket indicator 128. The waterlevel indicators 134, 136, 138, 140 can become unilluminated andinaccessible as represented by the “X” 144. The “X” 144 does not appearon the user interface 96, but is illustrative to show that theindicators are unavailable for selection. The selection of the upperbasket indicator 128 can display limited user-selectable optionsrepresentative of available treatment variables available to the user.User selectable options can include a preset with a predetermined amountof selectable options that are available to the user. The presetincluding the amount of selectable options can be determined by aparticular cycle of operation, or a configuration of the laundrytreating appliance 10, in non-limiting examples. The configuration ofthe laundry treating appliance 10 can include, for example, use with orwithout the removable basket assembly 38. The preset can include anynumber of user selectable options, including no selectable options.

Optionally, the water level button 126 can be unilluminated to indicatethat it is presently inoperable or unselectable. If the user attempts touse the water level button 126, a noise feedback can be provided to theuser to inform the user of an erroneous selection.

A virtual indicator 118 can be selected by the controller 94 indicativeof no-water level (as no water is provided to the first basket 18). Theterm virtual indicator as used herein is a digital indication, such aswithin a software program, representative of a selection determining ofa condition of a cycle of operation this is not indicated on the userinterface. The virtual indicator can be representative of a null watervalue for no water, further represented by the lack of illumination ofthe remaining indicators. Specifically, the lack of illumination of thewater level indicators 134, 136, 138, 140 indicates to the user that nowater is being added to the first basket 18. If the user actuates thebasket modifier button 124 to illuminate another basket indicator 130,132, the water level indicators 134, 136, 138, 140 can become availableindicative of selectable water levels based upon the new basketselection.

With limiting selection of the water level, incorrect water levelselection is prevented and water waste is minimized. Additionally, theuser interface 96 provides an intuitive interaction for the user, whichis desirable for a user. However, without any water provided in thefirst basket 18, drainage of the second basket 22 can cause someresidual residue in the first basket 18 as well as any area the liquidis recirculated to. Additionally, if something remains in the firstbasket 18, such as clothing remaining from a previous load, there is arisk of damage to the clothing in the first basket 18 at subsequentoperation of the second basket 22 according to the cycle of operation.

Referring now to FIG. 5 , a method 250 is shown for displaying selectioninformation on a user interface of a laundry treating appliance whereinthe laundry treating appliance includes a first basket defining a firsttreating chamber for receiving laundry for treatment and a second basketselectively receivable within at least a portion of the first treatingchamber, the second basket defining a second treating chamber forreceiving laundry for treatment. The laundry treating appliance can bethe laundry treating appliance 10 as described in FIG. 1 , by way ofnon-limiting example. The user interface can be the user interface 96 ofFIGS. 1-4 . The first and second baskets can be the first and secondbaskets 18, 22 of FIG. 1 and the first and second treating chambers canbe the first and second treating chambers 20, 24 of FIG. 1 . The laundrytreating appliance is customizable by a user to operation in one ofmultiple configuration types.

The method 250 can include, at 252, displaying on the user interface,user-selectable options for configuration types and at least onetreatment variable. The user-selectable options for configuration typescan include the second basket alone, both baskets, or the first basketalone, represented by the upper, dual, and lower basket indicators 128,130, 132 representative of the first, second, and third configurationtypes, respectively. The treatment variables can include water level,such as a high water level, a medium water level, a low water level, andan extra low water level, which can be represented by the high, medium,low, and extra low water level indicators 134, 136, 138, 140 of FIGS. 3and 4 .

The method 250 can further include, at 254, in response to receivinguser selection for the configuration type, displaying on the userinterface user-selectable options for the at least one treatmentvariable. Such user-selectable options can be determined by the selectedconfiguration type and can have full, limited, or on functionality basedupon the selected configuration type. In one example, none of theuser-selectable options are available, represented by unselectability ofany of the treatment variables and darkening of the related indicators.An attempt to select one of the user-selectable options when none areavailable can include a noise feedback to the user to communicate anunavailable selection.

The method 250 can further include, at 256, in response to receiving auser selection from the user-selectable options, executing a cycle ofoperation according to the user-selected configuration type and the atleast one treatment variable. The laundry treating appliance can executethe cycle of operation in accordance with the configuration type and theuser-selectable options, which can be determined or limited by theparticular configuration type. Executing the cycle of operation canfurther include providing an indication related to the at least onetreatment variable. Such provision of an indication can includeillumination of none, or one or more of the water level indicators 134,136, 138, 140 representative of a user-selected treatment variable.Alternative indications can include noise or other feedback communicableto the user.

Referring now to FIG. 6 , an alternative functionality for the basketcontrol section 122 is shown and includes that the basket modifierbutton 124 is actuated to illuminate the upper basket indicator 128,selecting a configuration type representative of the second basket 22.The high water level indicator 134 is unavailable represented by the “X”144. The “X” 144 does not appear on the user interface 96, but isillustrative to show that the indicators are unavailable for selection.The water level button 126 is illuminated and actuable. Actuation of thewater level button 126 can cycle through the remaining water levels asrepresented by the indicators 136, 138, 140. When a user attempts toactuate the water level button 126 to select the high water levelindicator 134, the selection illumination can skip over the high waterlevel indicator 134, such as from the medium water level indicator 136to the extra low water level indicator 140, or vice versa. Similarly, ifthe user attempts to select the high water level indicator 134, a noiseor other feedback can be sounded or provided to the user to inform themthat the selection is unavailable.

Preventing selection of the high water level indicator 134 during use ofthe second basket 22 prevents excess water from being provided to thefirst basket 18 which is at least partially occupied by the upper,second basket 22, which can prevent spilling or overflowing, which canotherwise damage the laundry treating appliance 10 or the areasurrounding the laundry treating appliance 10.

Referring now to FIG. 7 , an alternative functionality for the basketcontrol selection 122 can be substantially similar to the basket controlselection of FIG. 6 , except that the virtual indicator 118 isselectable by the controller 94. Actuation of the water level button 126can cycle through the remaining medium, low, extra low, or no watervariables, illuminating the medium water level indicator 136, the lowwater level indicator 138, the extra low water level indicator 140, orselecting the virtual indicator 118, respectively. Selection of the highwater level indicator 134 is unavailable. The virtual indicator 118provides for the illumination of none of the water level indicators 134,136, 138, 140, which again can indicate that no water will be providedto the lower, first basket during the cycle of operation.

The basket control selection 122 permits selection of at least somewater level in the lower, first basket, or no water level at all, whilepreventing an excessive, high amount of water as the high water levelindicator 134, which can cause overflowing or damage to the laundrytreating appliance or the surrounding area. Selection of any water levelcan inform the user that at least some water will be wasted, or providea suggestion to use no water. Such information can be displayed oraudibly communication, in non-limiting examples.

Referring now to FIG. 8 , an alternative functionality for the exemplarybasket control selection 122 is illustrated including the high waterlevel indicator 134, a medium water level indicator 136, and a low waterlevel indicator 138 having the “X” 144 over them, indicatingunavailability.

The basket modifier button 124 can be actuated to select the secondbasket 22, illuminating the upper basket indicator 128 as theconfiguration type. Upon selection of the second basket 22, only theextra low water level variable is available, and the extra low waterlevel indicator 140 is illuminated. The high, medium, and low waterlevel indicators 134, 136, 138 are unavailable for selection, asindicated by the “X” 144 over them. The “X” 144 does not appear on theuser interface 96, but is illustrative to show that the indicators areunavailable for selection. As such, when operating only the secondbasket 22, the user is limited to utilizing the extra low water level inthe first basket 18, which minimizes risk of residual treating chemistryin the liquid supply system and the first basket 18. Additionally, therisk of damage to any remnant laundry articles in the first basket 18 isreduced. However, there is at least some water used in the first basket18 beyond what is required for the second basket 22 alone, providing atleast some minimal water waste.

Referring now to FIG. 9 , another alternative functionality for thebasket control selection 122 can be substantially similar to the basketcontrol selection of FIG. 8 except that the virtual indicator 118 andextra low water level indicator 140 are selectable. The user can actuatethe water level button 126, to select either the extra low watersetting, illuminating the extra low water level indicator 140, orilluminating no water level indicator, representing the virtualindicator 118 indicating that no water will be used in the first basket22. The virtual indicator 118 provides the user increased selection,which can provide for using less water during the cycle of operation. Assuch, the user can have increased options to use no water to save water,or to use minimal water to minimize residue in the unused portions ofthe laundry treating appliance.

Referring now to FIG. 10 , another alternative functionality for thebasket control selection 122 includes the basket modifier button 124 hasbeen actuated to select the dual basket configuration type utilizingboth the first and second baskets 18, 22. The dual basket indicator 130is still illuminated. The “X” 144 has been placed over the high waterlevel indicator 134 to indicate unavailability of the indicator 134. Theuser can actuate the water level button 126 to cycle through the medium,low, and extra low water level indicators 136, 138, 140 to selecttreatment variable representative of the amount of water to be providedin the first basket 18 while running a cycle of operation including boththe first and second basket 18, 22. Preventing selection of the highwater level treatment variable prevents overfilling of the first basket18, which can lead to spilling of the water.

Referring now to FIG. 11 , another exemplary basket control selection122 can be substantially similar to the basket control selection 122 ofFIG. 10 except that the virtual indicator 118 is available for thecontroller 94 to select no water level. The user can actuate the waterlevel button 126 to cycle through the medium water level indicator 136,the low water level indicator 138, and the extra low water levelindicator 140, as well as the virtual indicator 118 indicating no waterto select a treatment variable or option. The high water level indicator134 is unavailable and unselectable, as indicated by the “X” 144. The“X” 144 does not appear on the user interface 96, but is illustrative toshow that the indicators are unavailable for selection. Prevention ofselection of the high water level treatment variable prevents excessfilling of water in the first basket 18, which can lead to spilling ordamage to the laundry treating appliance. Providing the ability toselect the virtual indicator 118 for no water improves functionality andoperability for the user, but may lead to the user selecting no water inthe first basket 18, although clothing is provided in the first basket18 intended for treatment according to a cycle of operation.

Referring now to FIG. 12 , another exemplary basket control selection122 can include a user attempting to select the high water levelindicator 134 while using the upper basket 22. At selection of the upperbasket 22, the high water level indicator 134 is unselectable,illustrated by the “X” 144 over the indicator 134. When the userattempts to select the high water level 134126, the basket selection canmove from the upper basket 128 to two baskets 130. As such, theconfiguration type can automatically change from the second basket 22alone to both the first and second baskets 18, 22. Additionally, themedium water level indicator 136 becomes illuminated, indicating achange in treatment variable, while the high water level indicator 134is still unselectable, represented by the “X” 144. An audible response,such as a buzzing noise or voice explanation, can be generated toindicate to the user that the configuration type has changed. Similarly,a visual indication can be presented to the user, such as flashing ofthe dual basket indicator 128 to further communicate the change in boththe configuration type and treatment variable to the user.

When the user is using the second basket 22 configuration type, the useris limited to using less water than the high water level. If the userwants to use more water in the first basket 18, they must select adifferent configuration type, such as the dual baskets 18, 22, or justthe first basket 18 to prevent unnecessary wasting of water. Attemptedselection of the high water level will automatically change the selectedconfiguration type to one that is available.

Referring now to FIG. 13 , another exemplary basket control selection222 can be substantially similar to the basket control selection 122 ofFIGS. 3-12 . As such, similar numerals will be used to describe similarelements, and the discussion will be limited to differences between thetwo; specifically that the dual basket indicator 128 has been removed.

The user can actuate a basket modifier button 224 to cycle betweeneither an upper basket indicator 228, a lower basket indicator 232, orboth, as shown in FIG. 13 , representing that both the second basket 22and the first basket 18 of FIG. 1 can be utilized as the configurationtype. It should be understood that when both the upper and lower basketindicators 228, 232 are illuminated, the user has selected the dualbasket configuration to operate both the first and second baskets 18, 22of FIG. 1 . The availability of the water level indicators 234, 236,238, 240 representing the treatment variable can be determined basedupon the basket selection, similar to that as described in FIGS. 4-12 .For example, when utilizing both the second basket 22 and the firstbasket 18, illuminating both the upper basket indicator 228 and thelower basket indicator 232, the high water level indicator 234 can beunavailable, indicated by an “X” 244, to prevent overfilling of thefirst basket 18.

Referring now to FIG. 14 , an alternative method 260 for displayinginformation on a user interface of a laundry treating appliance that iscustomizable by a user to operate in one of multiple configuration typescan include, at 262, determining, via input on a user interface, aselected one of the multiple configurations that include a firstconfiguration where laundry is treated in a first basket, a secondconfiguration where laundry is treated in the second basket at leastpartially located in the first basket, and a third configuration wherelaundry is treated in the first basket and the second basket.Determining the selected one of the multiple configuration types caninclude receiving a user selected input on the user interface. Forexample, a user can actuate the basket modifier button as describedherein to determine a configuration type. Determining the selected oneof the multiple configuration types can further include defaulting to aconfiguration type where a main basket is utilized, such as the lower,first basket as described herein.

The method 260 can further include, at 264, indicating user-selectableoptions for water level based on the selected one of the multipleconfiguration types. In one example, the user can select the secondconfiguration type to just the upper, second basket and theuser-selectable options can include a water level including an extralow, a low, and a medium water level. One additional user-selectableoption can include none or no water level. Furthermore, indicatinguser-selectable options can include generating a noise to indicate tothe user either a change in user-selectable options or theunavailability of a user-selectable option. A change in theconfiguration type can prompt a change in the user-selectable options,which can be communicated to the user through a noise. Similarly, anattempt by the user to make a selection that is unavailable can be metwith a noise to communicate an attempt that is unavailable.

To the extent not already described, the different features andstructures of the various embodiments can be used in combination witheach other as desired. That one feature may not be illustrated in all ofthe embodiments is not meant to be construed that it cannot be, but isdone for brevity of description. Thus, the various features of thedifferent embodiments can be mixed and matched as desired to form newembodiments, whether or not the new embodiments are expressly described.

While the invention has been specifically described in connection withcertain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that thisis by way of illustration and not of limitation. Reasonable variationand modification are possible within the scope of the forgoingdisclosure and drawings without departing from the spirit of theinvention, which is defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for displaying selection information ona user interface of a laundry treating appliance wherein the laundrytreating appliance includes a first basket defining a first treatingchamber for receiving laundry for treatment and a second basketselectively receivable within at least a portion of the first treatingchamber, the second basket defining a second treating chamber forreceiving laundry for treatment and where the laundry treating applianceis customizable by a user to operate in one of multiple configurationtypes, the method comprising: displaying on the user interface,user-selectable options for selecting among the multiple configurationtypes; in response to receiving a user selection for the multipleconfiguration types, displaying on the user interface, user-selectableoptions for at least one treatment variable; and in response toreceiving a user selection for the at least one treatment variable,executing a cycle of operation according to the selections.
 2. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the user-selectable options for configurationtype include: a first configuration where laundry is treated in thefirst basket, a second configuration where laundry is treated in thesecond basket, and a third configuration where laundry is treated in thefirst basket and the second basket.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein theat least one treatment variable comprises water level and theuser-selectable options for the water level comprise at least an extralow water level option, a low water level option, a medium water leveloption, and a high water level option.
 4. The method of claim 3 whereinexecuting the cycle of operation includes providing an indicationrelated to the at least one treatment variable.
 5. The method of claim 3wherein at least one of the user-selectable options is unavailable whenthe second configuration is selected.
 6. The method of claim 3 whereinthe medium water level option is a maximum amount of water used in acycle of operation when the user has selected to treat laundry in boththe first basket and the second basket.
 7. The method of claim 1 whereinthe displaying on the user interface of user-selectable options forselecting among the multiple configuration types comprises illuminatingthe user selectable options on the user interface.
 8. The method ofclaim 7 wherein the displaying on the user interface of user-selectableoptions for at least one treatment variable comprises illuminating theselectable options for the at least one treatment variable.
 9. Themethod of claim 8 further comprising unilluminating the unselectableoptions on the user interface of the at least one treatment variablebased on the selection of the multiple configuration types.
 10. Themethod of claim 9, wherein the laundry treating appliance comprises awater level interface for illuminating the at least one treatmentvariable associated with the configurations of water levels of the firstbasket.
 11. The method of claim 1 further comprising a controllerconfigured to implement at least a selected cycle of operation, theselected configuration type, and the selected at least one treatmentvariable via control of a liquid supply system.
 12. The method of claim11 wherein when all of the user-selectable options of the at least onetreatment variable are unilluminated no water is added to the firstbasket when the controller implements the selected cycle of operation.13. The method of claim 11 wherein indicating user-selectable optionsfurther include generating a noise to indicate either a change inuser-selectable options or unavailability of user-selectable options.14. A method for displaying information on a user interface of a laundrytreating appliance that is customizable by a user to operate in one ofmultiple configuration types, the method comprising: determining, viainput on a user interface, a selected one of the multiple configurationtypes, wherein the multiple configuration types include a firstconfiguration type where laundry is treated in a first basket, a secondconfiguration type where laundry is treated in a second basket at leastpartially located in the first basket, and a third configuration typewhere laundry is treated in the first basket and the second basket; andindicating user-selectable options for water level based on the selectedone of the multiple configuration types.
 15. The method of claim 14wherein the determining the selected one of the multiple configurationtypes comprises receiving a user selected input on the user interface.16. The method of claim 14 wherein the determining the selected one ofthe multiple configuration types comprises defaulting to a configurationwhere a main basket is utilized.
 17. The method of claim 14 whereinindicating user-selectable options further include generating a noise toindicate either a change in user-selectable options or unavailability ofuser-selectable options.
 18. The method of claim 14 wherein theuser-selectable options for water level comprise water level at least anextra low water level option, a low water level option, a medium waterlevel option, and a high water level option.
 19. The method of claim 18wherein at least one of the user-selectable options for water level isunavailable when the second configuration is selected.
 20. The method ofclaim 19 wherein when all of the user-selectable options areunavailable, no water is added to the first basket when a cycle ofoperation is implemented